Our Summary

This study looks at the survival rate of corneal transplants and the visual outcomes in Europe. The data for the research was collected from corneal clinics in 10 European Union countries, the UK, and Switzerland. Over 12,000 corneal transplants were examined.

The survival rate of the corneal transplants after 32 years was found to be high at 89%. However, this did vary depending on the reason for the transplant. For example, the survival rate was 98% for keratoconus (a condition that affects the shape of the cornea) and 80% for trauma-related transplants.

The study also found that overall, patients’ vision improved after their corneal transplant. However, there was a risk of vision loss, which ranged from 7% for those with a baseline vision of less than or equal to 0.1 Snellen (a measure of visual acuity) to 58% for those with a baseline vision of equal to or greater than 1.0 Snellen.

The study provides important information about the outcomes of corneal transplants in Europe, which can help to set standards and show the relationship between vision before and after the operation.

FAQs

  1. What was the overall graft survival rate of corneal transplants in the study?
  2. How did the corrected distance visual acuities (CDVAs) change from baseline to two years postoperatively?
  3. Did the graft survival of corneal transplants differ based on the indications for the procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about corneal transplant is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that could potentially damage the new cornea. It is also important to be patient during the recovery process, as vision improvements may take time. Additionally, maintaining overall eye health through regular check-ups and protective measures, such as wearing sunglasses outdoors, can help ensure the long-term success of the transplant.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for corneal transplant include those with conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, corneal dystrophies, corneal edema, corneal degeneration, and corneal trauma. These patients may have poor visual acuity that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, or experience significant discomfort and vision impairment due to their condition. The decision to undergo a corneal transplant is typically made by an ophthalmologist after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s eye health and visual needs.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  • Patient is diagnosed with a corneal condition such as keratoconus, trauma, or other indications
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation and testing to determine eligibility for corneal transplant
  • Patient may experience vision loss, discomfort, and other symptoms related to their corneal condition
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient receives information on the procedure and post-operative care

After corneal transplant:

  • Patient undergoes corneal transplant surgery, which involves replacing the damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea
  • Patient may experience temporary blurred vision, discomfort, and sensitivity to light immediately after surgery
  • Patient is monitored closely for any signs of rejection or complications post-operatively
  • Over time, the patient’s vision gradually improves as the transplanted cornea heals and integrates with the surrounding tissue
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments to assess graft survival and visual acuity outcomes
  • Overall, the patient may experience significant improvement in vision and quality of life following a successful corneal transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of corneal transplants for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a corneal transplant?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care needed after a corneal transplant?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider before opting for a corneal transplant?
  5. How will my vision be affected after the surgery, and what are the chances of improving my visual acuity?
  6. How long do corneal transplants typically last, and are there any factors that may affect the longevity of the transplant?
  7. What is the likelihood of rejection of the donor cornea, and how can this be prevented or treated?
  8. Will I need to take any medications or undergo additional treatments following the corneal transplant?
  9. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery, and what signs should I watch for that may indicate a complication?
  10. Can you provide me with information on the success rates and outcomes of corneal transplants that you have performed in the past?

Reference

Authors: Dunker SL, Armitage WJ, Armitage M, Brocato L, Figueiredo FC, Heemskerk MBA, Hjortdal J, Jones GLA, Konijn C, Nuijts RMMA, Lundström M, Dickman MM. Journal: J Cataract Refract Surg. 2021 Jun 1;47(6):780-785. doi: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000520. PMID: 33278237